A young man named Miguel Zegarra Mendoza was taken into custody in the municipality of Moa, Holguín, after forcibly taking a cell phone from a child in broad daylight, highlighting the growing violence across the nation that local authorities seem unable to curb. The pro-government profile Cazador-Cazado, affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), announced on Facebook this Monday that the perpetrator exploited the girl's vulnerability to carry out the theft, which, according to their post, has been a recurring issue in various parts of the country.
"The act itself is despicable, but taking advantage of a child's defenselessness to commit theft is the height of shamelessness," the message emphasized. Thanks to the swift response of the authorities, the thief was apprehended, and the phone was returned. The matter is now with the Prosecutor's Office and the courts, which will decide the appropriate penalties.
The post, maintaining its usual cautionary tone, highlighted the rising crime rates in the country, particularly stressing the surge in violent street robberies. "If you see your neighbor's beard on fire, prepare your own, because in Holguín, the situation is heating up," the message concluded.
The increase in muggings and thefts in several provinces has raised significant concerns about street safety, amid a severe economic crisis that continues to afflict the Cuban populace. In recent months, children have increasingly become targets of violence and crime in Cuba, with a disturbing rise in assaults and attacks.
The most recent incident occurred on March 5, 2025, when a young man was arrested in Santiago de Cuba after threatening a high school student at knifepoint for their phone. The incident took place in the Sueño neighborhood as the victim was returning from school. Police sources confirmed that the assailant was identified and captured shortly after the event, adding to the growing wave of crime targeting minors on the island.
Just days earlier, another child was ambushed in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, on their way to school. The child's mother reported on social media that the assailants snatched the backpack and tossed the books into the street. This incident sparked outrage and concern among citizens, who warn of the lack of street safety and the vulnerability of students.
Violence against minors isn't limited to theft. In a tragic event in August 2024, in Ciego de Ávila, two women and two children were allegedly murdered during a robbery. The victims, a mother and her 16-year-old son, along with their neighbor and her 4-year-old son, were attacked at home after the father left for work. This crime shocked the community and reignited discussions about national security.
Beyond robberies and murders, the exposure of children and adolescents to crime is reflected in other severe social issues. For example, last August, a young man in Havana tried to stop three minors from consuming "the chemical," a rising synthetic drug. When he confiscated the substance, the children attacked him and even attempted to rob him. This episode highlights the impact of drug trafficking on Cuban youth and the lack of effective measures to prevent substance abuse.
Understanding Crime and Security in Cuba
What prompted the arrest of Miguel Zegarra Mendoza in Holguín?
Miguel Zegarra Mendoza was arrested in Holguín for snatching a cell phone from a young girl in public, a crime that reflects the increasing street violence in Cuba.
How are the authorities responding to the rise in street crime in Cuba?
Authorities have been making arrests, as seen in the Holguín incident, but the public remains concerned about the rising crime rates and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
What are some recent examples of crimes involving minors in Cuba?
Recent incidents include a robbery in Santiago de Cuba involving a student threatened at knifepoint and another child being mugged in Havana, among others.